• About Us
    • Fact Checking Policy
    • Ownership & funding information
    • Volunteer
  • Subscribe
  • Letter submission
    • Submissions Policy
  • Contact Us
The Online Citizen Asia
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Commentaries
    • Letters
    • Comments
  • Current Affairs
    • Singapore
    • Malaysia
    • Indonesia
    • China
    • ASEAN
    • Asia
    • International
  • Finance
    • Economics
    • Labour
    • Property
    • Business
  • Community
    • Arts & Culture
    • Consumer Watch
    • NGO
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
  • Politics
    • Civil Society
    • Parliament
    • Transport
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Housing
  • Law & Order
    • Legislation
    • Court Cases
No Result
View All Result
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Commentaries
    • Letters
    • Comments
  • Current Affairs
    • Singapore
    • Malaysia
    • Indonesia
    • China
    • ASEAN
    • Asia
    • International
  • Finance
    • Economics
    • Labour
    • Property
    • Business
  • Community
    • Arts & Culture
    • Consumer Watch
    • NGO
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
  • Politics
    • Civil Society
    • Parliament
    • Transport
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Housing
  • Law & Order
    • Legislation
    • Court Cases
No Result
View All Result
The Online Citizen Asia
No Result
View All Result

SPP’s Benjamin Pwee, Jimmy Lee for Tan Cheng Bock

by onlinecitizen
19/08/2011
in Current Affairs
Reading Time: 9 mins read
0

Benjamin Cheah/Photos by Shawn Danker

Two prominent members of the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) have come out to voice support for Presidential candidate Dr Tan Cheng Bock. They are Mr Benjamin Pwee, Second Assistant Secretary General, and Mr Jimmy Lee, member of the Central Executive Council.


Benjamin Pwee

Speaking to TOC in an exclusive interview, both men stressed that they were supporting Dr Tan in their personal capacities. (The SPP does not officially endorse any presidential candidate) Messrs Pwee and Lee are currently volunteering in Dr Tan’s campaign.

“The key role for the President is (to be) a check and balance (against) the government,” Mr Lee said. Using this as a guiding principle, Mr Lee gave several reasons why he supported Dr Tan.

Firstly, Mr Lee said that Dr Tan was the first to declare his candidacy, allowing Mr Lee to research Dr Tan, and believed that this ‘signalled his commitment to transparency and accountability’. Secondly, Mr Lee was impressed with Dr Tan’s experience in the private sector and his financial knowledge, as well as Dr Tan’s ‘ability to work independently’ of the organisations he oversaw. Finally, Mr Lee felt that Dr Tan’s background as a general practitioner gave Dr Tan insight into Singapore’s grassroots.

Mr Pwee’s reasons were somewhat different. Mr Pwee counts Dr Tan’s daughter amongst his circle of friends, calling Dr Tan ‘Uncle Bock’, and this sense of emotional intimacy first drew Mr Pwee’s attention to Dr Tan. Mr Pwee added that he had been approached by Mr Tan Jee Say to help in his campaign. Mr Pwee said it was ‘a difficult decision’ to choose between Mr Tan and Dr Tan, but eventually chose the latter.

Mr Pwee explained, “I think the President needs to…unify the country across party factions and divides.” Mr Pwee felt that Mr Tan had aligned himself with the opposition in his campaign. Conversely, Mr Pwee believed that while Dr Tan had the respect of the government even though Dr Tan had publicly criticised the PAP’s policies.

“That, for me, puts (Dr Tan) in a unique position to garner support from across party colours,” he said.

While both men said they were acting privately, Mr Pwee hopes that his status as a member of the opposition, as well as an opposition candidate in the last General Elections, would send a message to Singaporeans.

“I want to put what is best at heart for Singapore and Singaporeans first, and not allow my political inclinations or affiliations to define who I vote for,” he said. “I’m more than happy to vote for Dr Tan Cheng Bock, who has a strong PAP (People’s Action Party) and Establishment background, regardless of the fact that I am clearly an opposition candidate.”

Mr Lee agreed. He believed that both he and Mr Pwee were ‘acting in the best interest of Singapore, and not any political party.’

The Spectre of 1987

One of the shadows hanging over Dr Tan’s campaign was his support for the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA). In 1987, the government arrested 22 Catholic social workers under the ISA, accusing them of being Marxist bent on revolution. The Straits Times reported that Dr Tan, as head of the Feedback Unit, told Parliament that most Singaporeans believed that the arrests were justified. Dr Tan drew flak from online commentators for his statements, even though he stated in his interview with TOC that he felt the detainees were innocent.

On this issue, Mr Pwee felt that there a lot of what Dr Tan said behind closed doors went unreported, such as ‘private protestations’ and ‘private criticisms’. “What is visibly seen is not all that has happened,” he said.

Mr Lee said, “I believe that if the nation reaches a point where we can explore the past issues and have a movement towards reconciliation…Dr Tan Cheng Bock will do the right thing.”

Criticism of Dr Tony Tan

Both men were vocal of their criticism of Dr Tony Tan during the interview.

In addition, Mr Lee felt that Dr Tan did not present himself as a suitable candidate for President. Dr Tan said that Singapore needs ‘a President with experience and a steady hand’, and emphasised the President’s duty – and his ability – to guard the reserves.

“The Constitution says the President is to be a check on the Government and to approve key government decisions”, he said.

Mr Pwee expressed doubts about Dr Tan’s independence. Mr Pwee felt that there might be a conflict of interest if Dr Tan were elected. Among the President’s duties is to scrutinise the budgets of specified statuary boards, amongst which is the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC). Dr Tan held the posts of Executive Director and Deputy Chairman of the GIC until 1st July this year.

Jimmy Lee

“I think we want more transparency around (government investments), and that can only be brought about by a more objective and non-partisan President,” he said.

Mr Pwee added that he felt Dr Tan should have brought up issues for discussion, such as the 1987 arrests.

Understanding the role of the President

“In my opinion, only Dr Tan Cheng Bock understands the constitutional requirements and roles of the President best,” Mr Lee said.

Mr Pwee said that voters should understand the roles of the President as described by the Constitution, and guard against projecting their biases onto the office. Mr Pwee added that he would not vote for ‘whoever would be the biggest pain (for the government)’ as ‘that might not necessarily be the role the Presidency was meant to play.’

“The President (should be) somebody who is not just credible but is also somebody that the government respects,” Mr Pwee said. He added that Dr Tan can ‘stand up’ to ‘people of the (Prime Minister’s) calibre’ in the government.

In addition to their Constitutional roles, Mr Pwee felt that the President could play a leadership role in Singapore. Mr Pwee said the President could work together with the government, other political parties, and other groups to ‘take an active leadership role in helping to guide the development of Singapore’s socio-political climate.’ He added that should not just act when ‘his powers are necessary’.

Message to Singaporeans

Saying that Singaporeans were not just voting for a ceremonial head of state, Mr Pwee advised Singaporeans to ask themselves who would be the ‘right person with the…courage to speak up regardless of party political affiliation and background’.

“We are not looking for (a President) that is an extension of the government,” Mr Pwee said. “It is important for the President to be seen as completely separate from the role of the government.”

Mr Pwee said that there have been many comparisons amongst and between the candidates and former President S R Nathan. Mr Pwee said that the candidates should be compared against former President Mr Ong Teng Cheong, ‘not in his ceremonial role, but in the ways he stood up to and fought for and exercised his powers’.

Mr Lee agreed that the President is not merely a ceremonial role, adding that ‘we need a President who is independent and strong enough to hold on to whatever custodial powers’ he has.

Mr Pwee encouraged voters to learn more about the candidates, to have ‘an open mind’ and ‘take the opportunity to be educated’ about them. Regardless of who wins, Mr Pwee said, he hopes that it would be ‘a step forward’ in ‘the growth of Singapore’s political awareness.’

Read Benjamin Pwee and Jimm Lee’s press statement here.

 

For just US$7.50 a month, sign up as a subscriber on The Online Citizen Asia (and enjoy ads-free experience on our site) to support our mission to transform TOC into an alternative mainstream press.

Related Posts

Family of student killed in accident involving retired police officer, calls for transparency from Indonesian police
Indonesia

Family of student killed in accident involving retired police officer, calls for transparency from Indonesian police

04/02/2023
【财政预算案2021】2020年预算赤字达649亿元 占国内生产总值13.9%
AFP

China’s mega-rich move their wealth, and partying, to Singapore

04/02/2023
2024 Olympic torch relay to start in Marseille
AFP

2024 Olympic torch relay to start in Marseille

03/02/2023
India’s Adani shares plunge again after stock sale cancelled
AFP

India’s Adani denies rise due to Modi as shares fall again

03/02/2023
TotalEnergies says Adani exposure ‘limited’ at US$3.1 bn
AFP

TotalEnergies says Adani exposure ‘limited’ at US$3.1 bn

03/02/2023
India’s finance minister says markets ‘well regulated’ after Adani storm
AFP

India’s finance minister says markets ‘well regulated’ after Adani storm

03/02/2023
Subscribe
Connect withD
Login
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
Connect withD
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Latest posts

Family of student killed in accident involving retired police officer, calls for transparency from Indonesian police

Family of student killed in accident involving retired police officer, calls for transparency from Indonesian police

04/02/2023
【财政预算案2021】2020年预算赤字达649亿元 占国内生产总值13.9%

China’s mega-rich move their wealth, and partying, to Singapore

04/02/2023
2024 Olympic torch relay to start in Marseille

2024 Olympic torch relay to start in Marseille

03/02/2023
India’s Adani shares plunge again after stock sale cancelled

India’s Adani denies rise due to Modi as shares fall again

03/02/2023
TotalEnergies says Adani exposure ‘limited’ at US$3.1 bn

TotalEnergies says Adani exposure ‘limited’ at US$3.1 bn

03/02/2023
India’s finance minister says markets ‘well regulated’ after Adani storm

India’s finance minister says markets ‘well regulated’ after Adani storm

03/02/2023
A man can be sentenced to death by a testimony of another, but CPIB finds it hard to prosecute with mountain of evidence and self-confession?

A man can be sentenced to death by a testimony of another, but CPIB finds it hard to prosecute with mountain of evidence and self-confession?

03/02/2023

Myanmar junta imposes tough new measures on resistance strongholds

03/02/2023

Trending posts

Former Singaporean shares change of life in Australia with annual pay of S$80,000 as a plumber

Former Singaporean shares change of life in Australia with annual pay of S$80,000 as a plumber

by Yee Loon
30/01/2023
25

...

They have done a fine job of confusing us about the jobs situation

They have done a fine job of confusing us about the jobs situation

by Augustine Low
01/02/2023
47

...

Adani’s brother runs SG company and registers as director with local ID

Adani’s brother runs SG company and registers as director with local ID

by Correspondent
03/02/2023
23

...

Singapore warns slower economic growth in 2023

Less than 1 in 10 jobs created in first three quarters of 2022 went to Singaporeans?

by Leong Szehian
28/01/2023
69

...

Earning only S$400 a month, delivery-rider turned hawker threw in the towel after two years of running a rojak stall

Earning only S$400 a month, delivery-rider turned hawker threw in the towel after two years of running a rojak stall

by Yee Loon
26/01/2023
24

...

Excessively charging for an essential need, and calling it affordable because people still can pay for it?

by Terry Xu
31/01/2023
40

...

August 2011
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Jul   Sep »

The Online Citizen is a regional online publication based in Taiwan and formerly Singapore’s longest-running independent online media platform.

Navigation

  • Editorial
  • Commentaries
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Community

Support

  • Contact Us
  • Letter submission
  • Membership subscription

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Fact Checking Policy
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 - 2023 The Online Citizen Asia

No Result
View All Result
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Commentaries
    • Comments
  • Current Affairs
    • Malaysia
    • Indonesia
    • China
    • ASEAN
    • Asia
    • International
  • Finance
    • Economics
    • Labour
    • Property
    • Business
  • Community
    • Civil Society
    • Arts & Culture
    • Consumer Watch
    • NGO
  • Politics
    • Parliament
    • Transport
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Housing
  • Law & Order
    • Legislation
    • Court Cases
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
  • Subscribers login

© 2022 - 2023 The Online Citizen Asia

wpDiscuz